Riyadh Chamber of Commerce and Industry (RCCI) is expecting at least two women-candidates to win elections to its 18-member board of directors, scheduled for November. Abdulmalik F. Al-Sinani, RCCI's executive assistant secretary general said that currently no woman is a member of the board “but we expect greater women's participation in the forthcoming board election and they (women) will win at least two seats in the 18-member board.” He said RCCI needs the participation of women in its board meetings as more women are actively engaged in different categories of business because of the ongoing economic boom in Saudi Arabia. RCCI has been playing a vital role in addressing the issues of business community in Riyadh, several of which pertain to businesswomen who need proper representation in business forums and other such meetings, Sinani said. He said more and more women are showing entrepreneurship and need training programs, counseling and guidance on the areas of business opportunities available. RCCI has a businesswomen committee with office-bearers such as president and vice-president, “but no one sits on the board.” “We need women members to prepare and mobilize the women members to take active part in addressing their own issues. This can be done through lectures, seminars and workshops to discuss and highlight women's issues,” he said. He said lack of knowledge about the opportunities available tends to restrict women to investments in boutiques, fashion or tailoring shops. Businesswomen, when made aware of their scope, would be of help in presenting the investment opportunities available in Riyadh to a growing number of women's delegations visiting Riyadh, he said. RCCI will soon start the process of electioneering for the November elections. A committee of members from the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Council of Saudi Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) and RCCI will be formed to monitor the election process. The committee will invite nominations from contestants. There are around 10,000 eligible voters. Al-Sinani said that of the 18-member board 12 would be selected through the ballot while six would be nominated by the Ministry of Trade and Industry. During the last election, 25 candidates contested for 12 seats. The RCCI has been known for efficient organization of election in the past years. The RCCI is planning to introduce 100 percent electronic voting this time as compared with 70 percent in last election, he said. He said election nominees would be required to submit copies of commercial registration, a RCCI member certificate and clearance of membership fee among others. __
